Equine podotrochlear apparatus - histologic characterization

Background: The navicular syndrome may be associated with alterations in other podotrochlear apparatus components,such as the deep digital flexor tendon, collareral sesamoid and distal sesamoid ligaments, podotrochlear bursa and distalsesamoid bone. However, the clinical significance and nature of these changes are not well understood, many of descriptive reports about distal sesamoid bone lesions are rarely accompanied by a complete and comprehensive comparisonwith animals of the control group. The aim of this study was to described histologically findings of the podrotrochlearapparatus components, allowing the understanding of the inserts and their microscopic appearance, thus providing thefuture recognize of their alterations.Materials, Methods & Results: Fourteen samples of the podotrochlear apparatus were taken out of 44 equine thoracic limbsspecimens, separated at the radiocarpal joint of Crioulo and Thoroughbred horses, with an average age of 6.0-year-old,coming from a private clinic in southern Brazil. The thoracic limbs specimens were refrigerated at 4ºC at the clinic and thenthey were sent to the University Federal of Santa Maria (UFSM). Once at the University laboratory, the specimens weredissected to isolate the podotrochlear apparatus from each one. Subsequently, transversal and longitudinal samples fromthe distal sesamoid bone, deep digital flexor tendo, distal sesamoid ligament, colateral sesamoid ligament, were collectedand podotrochlear bursa which were processed at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the UFSM and University Federalof Santa Catarina (UFSC). The tissues samples were fixed in a 10% formaldehyde solution for 14 days and routinely processed for histology. The samples were sectioned at 3 µm and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) routine method.The bone samples, after fixation, underwent a decalcified process in a formic acid-sodium citrate aqueous...(AU)

Equine podotrochlear apparatus - histologic characterization

Background: The navicular syndrome may be associated with alterations in other podotrochlear apparatus components,such as the deep digital flexor tendon, collareral sesamoid and distal sesamoid ligaments, podotrochlear bursa and distalsesamoid bone. However, the clinical significance and nature of these changes are not well understood, many of descriptive reports about distal sesamoid bone lesions are rarely accompanied by a complete and comprehensive comparisonwith animals of the control group. The aim of this study was to described histologically findings of the podrotrochlearapparatus components, allowing the understanding of the inserts and their microscopic appearance, thus providing thefuture recognize of their alterations.Materials, Methods & Results: Fourteen samples of the podotrochlear apparatus were taken out of 44 equine thoracic limbsspecimens, separated at the radiocarpal joint of Crioulo and Thoroughbred horses, with an average age of 6.0-year-old,coming from a private clinic in southern Brazil. The thoracic limbs specimens were refrigerated at 4ºC at the clinic and thenthey were sent to the University Federal of Santa Maria (UFSM). Once at the University laboratory, the specimens weredissected to isolate the podotrochlear apparatus from each one. Subsequently, transversal and longitudinal samples fromthe distal sesamoid bone, deep digital flexor tendo, distal sesamoid ligament, colateral sesamoid ligament, were collectedand podotrochlear bursa which were processed at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the UFSM and University Federalof Santa Catarina (UFSC). The tissues samples were fixed in a 10% formaldehyde solution for 14 days and routinely processed for histology. The samples were sectioned at 3 µm and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) routine method.The bone samples, after fixation, underwent a decalcified process in a formic acid-sodium citrate aqueous...

Manejo da deformidade flexural congênita em bezerro - aspectos cirúrgicos e patológicos / Management of a congenital flexural deformity in a calf - surgical and pathological aspects

Background: Flexural deformities are anatomical deviations, in varying degrees, of one or more joints, and may have a congenital or acquired origin. Congenital contracture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) affects newborn calves and results in hyperflexion of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint, which in severe cases means that the animal must support its own weight on its fetlock joints. The aim of this study is to report the rapid and successful result of applying bilateral total tenotomy technique on a newborn bovine that had been diagnosed with severe bilateral DDFT contracture in the thoracic limbs. Case: A 3-week-old male bovine with a history of difficulty in maintaining a quadrupedal position was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Tocantins. The animal had severe bilateral locomotor alterations in the thoracic members to the point that he walked on his fetlock joints. The physical examination revealed clinical parameters within the normal range. However, the locomotor system examination showed severe flexor deformity in the bilateral metacarpal-phalangeal joints, and the limbs were being supported on the dorsal face of the fetlock joints, which presented ulcerations, and was suggestive of a shortening of the DDFT. Based on the patients history and clinical examination, as well as the severity of the tendon contractures, surgical treatment using the DDFT bilateral total tenotomy technique was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of 2.5 mg/kg of enrofloxacin intramuscularly (IM), SID, for 5 days and 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam via IM, SID, for 3 days; as well as a dressing (cotton, medical bandage and a PVC mold) on the thoracic limbs to provide support and allow the animal to..(AU)

Manejo da deformidade flexural congênita em bezerro - aspectos cirúrgicos e patológicos / Management of a congenital flexural deformity in a calf - surgical and pathological aspects

Background: Flexural deformities are anatomical deviations, in varying degrees, of one or more joints, and may have a congenital or acquired origin. Congenital contracture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) affects newborn calves and results in hyperflexion of the metacarpal-phalangeal joint, which in severe cases means that the animal must support its own weight on its fetlock joints. The aim of this study is to report the rapid and successful result of applying bilateral total tenotomy technique on a newborn bovine that had been diagnosed with severe bilateral DDFT contracture in the thoracic limbs. Case: A 3-week-old male bovine with a history of difficulty in maintaining a quadrupedal position was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Tocantins. The animal had severe bilateral locomotor alterations in the thoracic members to the point that he walked on his fetlock joints. The physical examination revealed clinical parameters within the normal range. However, the locomotor system examination showed severe flexor deformity in the bilateral metacarpal-phalangeal joints, and the limbs were being supported on the dorsal face of the fetlock joints, which presented ulcerations, and was suggestive of a shortening of the DDFT. Based on the patient’s history and clinical examination, as well as the severity of the tendon contractures, surgical treatment using the DDFT bilateral total tenotomy technique was decided upon. Postoperative treatment consisted of 2.5 mg/kg of enrofloxacin intramuscularly (IM), SID, for 5 days and 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam via IM, SID, for 3 days; as well as a dressing (cotton, medical bandage and a PVC mold) on the thoracic limbs to provide support and allow the animal to..

Singularities of digital flexor tendons in the Catalan Pyrenean Horse / Singularidades dos tendões flexores digitais no Cavalo Pirineu Catalão

The gross anatomy of the digital flexors tendons and the distal accessory ligament of the Catalan Pyrenean Horse, an equine trait breed from Catalonia (NE Spain), is presented here. Research has been based on the dissection of isolated 10 right forelimbs, 10 left forelimbs, six right hindlimbs and five left hindlimbs (total 31 distal limbs) from clinically normal yearlings, about 12 months of age. Tendons dimensions tended to be bigger than those reported in the literature, probably due to breed, age, bodyweight, withers height and exercise programme. Distal accessory ligament was sometimes absent. Data intend to serve as standard manual data for this breed but also for other trait breeds, being the present study the first one on the subject.

A anatomia dos tendões flexores digitais e o ligamento acessório distal do Cavalo Pirineu Catalão, uma raça de equinos de tração da Catalunha (NE Espanha) está apresentada aqui. A pesquisa se baseou na dissecação  para isolamento de 10 membros anteriores direitos, 10 membros anteriores esquerdos, seis membros posteriores direitos e cinco membros posteriores esquerdos (total de 31 membros) de animais clinicamente normais, com cerca de 12 meses de idade. As dimensões dos tendões tendem a ser maiores do que as relatadas na literatura, provavelmente devido à raça, idade, peso corporal, altura de cernelha e programa de exercício. O ligamento acessório distal às vezes estava ausente. Os dados pretendem servir como padrões para essa raça, mas também para outras raças de tração, sendo o presente estudo o primeiro sobre o assunto.

Singularities of digital flexor tendons in the Catalan Pyrenean Horse / Singularidades dos tendões flexores digitais no Cavalo Pirineu Catalão

The gross anatomy of the digital flexors tendons and the distal accessory ligament of the Catalan Pyrenean Horse, an equine trait breed from Catalonia (NE Spain), is presented here. Research has been based on the dissection of isolated 10 right forelimbs, 10 left forelimbs, six right hindlimbs and five left hindlimbs (total 31 distal limbs) from clinically normal yearlings, about 12 months of age. Tendons dimensions tended to be bigger than those reported in the literature, probably due to breed, age, bodyweight, withers height and exercise programme. Distal accessory ligament was sometimes absent. Data intend to serve as standard manual data for this breed but also for other trait breeds, being the present study the first one on the subject.(AU)

A anatomia dos tendões flexores digitais e o ligamento acessório distal do Cavalo Pirineu Catalão, uma raça de equinos de tração da Catalunha (NE Espanha) está apresentada aqui. A pesquisa se baseou na dissecação  para isolamento de 10 membros anteriores direitos, 10 membros anteriores esquerdos, seis membros posteriores direitos e cinco membros posteriores esquerdos (total de 31 membros) de animais clinicamente normais, com cerca de 12 meses de idade. As dimensões dos tendões tendem a ser maiores do que as relatadas na literatura, provavelmente devido à raça, idade, peso corporal, altura de cernelha e programa de exercício. O ligamento acessório distal às vezes estava ausente. Os dados pretendem servir como padrões para essa raça, mas também para outras raças de tração, sendo o presente estudo o primeiro sobre o assunto.(AU)

Response of three digital anesthetic technics in horses with forelimb hoof lameness / Resposta de três técnicas anestésicas digitais em equinos com claudicação dos membros anteriores ligada ao casco

The presented study aimed to assess objectively the response of distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ), navicular bursa (NB) and deep digital flexor tendon sheath (DDFTS) anesthesia in horses with forelimb hoof lameness; and evaluate if the presence of radiographic abnormalities on navicular bone could interfere on blocks' results. Fifteen horses with lameness improvement above 70% after palmar digital nerve (PDN) block were selected for this study. Blocks were assessed separately on five consecutive trials at seven different time-points. The fifth trial was performed to evaluate the influence of exercise on preexisting lameness. Most of horses (73.33%) presented pain related to the podotrochlear apparatus based on clinical and lameness exam and blocks' responses. NB and DIJ anesthesia differed on the frequency of horses with lameness improvement above 70% only at 10min (p=0.03), and both differed from DDFTS block until 30'(p<0.05). The blocks' response was variable along the time and the highest means for NB, DIJ and DDFTS were observed at 5-10 minutes ('), 15-20' and 10-15' respectively.Exercise had low interference on lameness intensity since no improvement above 50% was observed and an increase on lameness intensity over time was identified in seven horses. Variable grades of navicular bone radiographic lesions were observed in 14 horses, although these lesions had no interference on blocks' response (p>0.05). The NB and DIJ blocks had similar responses and both were superior to DDFTS anesthesia, coincident with a major prevalence of podotroclear apparatus abnormalities in this equine population.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou, de forma objetiva, as respostas do bloqueio da articulação interfalangeana distal (AID), da bursa do navicular (BN) e da bainha do tendão flexor digital profundo (BTFDP) em equinos com claudicação ligada ao casco nos membros torácicos; além de analisar a influência das alterações radiográficas do osso navicular no resultado dos bloqueios. Quinze cavalos, que apresentaram uma melhora da claudicação acima de 70% após o bloqueio do nervo digital palmar, foram selecionados para este estudo. Os bloqueios foram avaliados separadamente em cinco turnos consecutivos e em sete tempos diferentes. O quinto turno foi utilizado para analisar a influência do exercício sobre a claudicação preexistente. A maioria dos cavalos (73,33%) apresentou dor relacionada à porção palmar do casco, com base nos achados do exame clínico em movimento e nas respostas dos bloqueios. As anestesias da BN e da AID apresentaram diferença quanto à frequência de cavalos com melhora da claudicação acima de 70% apenas aos 10min (p=0.03), e ambos diferiram do bloqueio da BTFDP até os 30min (p<0.05). A resposta dos bloqueios foi variada ao longo do tempo, e as maiores médias de melhora da claudicação para os bloqueios BN, AID e BTFDP foram observadas aos 5-10min, 15-20min e 10-15min, respectivamente. O exercício teve pequena interferência na intensidade da claudicação, uma vez que nenhuma melhora acima de 50% foi observada e sete cavalos aumentaram a intensidade da claudicação ao longo do tempo. A presença de diferentes graus de lesão radiográfica do osso navicular foi observada em 14 cavalos, porém essas lesões não interferiram na resposta dos bloqueios (p>0,05). Os bloqueios da BN e da AID apresentaram respostas semelhantes, e ambos foram superiores ao bloqueio da BTFDP, coincidindo com uma marcada prevalência de doença do aparato podotroclear nesta população de equinos.(AU)

Response of three digital anesthetic technics in horses with forelimb hoof lameness / Resposta de três técnicas anestésicas digitais em equinos com claudicação dos membros anteriores ligada ao casco

The presented study aimed to assess objectively the response of distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ), navicular bursa (NB) and deep digital flexor tendon sheath (DDFTS) anesthesia in horses with forelimb hoof lameness; and evaluate if the presence of radiographic abnormalities on navicular bone could interfere on blocks' results. Fifteen horses with lameness improvement above 70% after palmar digital nerve (PDN) block were selected for this study. Blocks were assessed separately on five consecutive trials at seven different time-points. The fifth trial was performed to evaluate the influence of exercise on preexisting lameness. Most of horses (73.33%) presented pain related to the podotrochlear apparatus based on clinical and lameness exam and blocks' responses. NB and DIJ anesthesia differed on the frequency of horses with lameness improvement above 70% only at 10min (p=0.03), and both differed from DDFTS block until 30'(p<0.05). The blocks' response was variable along the time and the highest means for NB, DIJ and DDFTS were observed at 5-10 minutes ('), 15-20' and 10-15' respectively.Exercise had low interference on lameness intensity since no improvement above 50% was observed and an increase on lameness intensity over time was identified in seven horses. Variable grades of navicular bone radiographic lesions were observed in 14 horses, although these lesions had no interference on blocks' response (p>0.05). The NB and DIJ blocks had similar responses and both were superior to DDFTS anesthesia, coincident with a major prevalence of podotroclear apparatus abnormalities in this equine population.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou, de forma objetiva, as respostas do bloqueio da articulação interfalangeana distal (AID), da bursa do navicular (BN) e da bainha do tendão flexor digital profundo (BTFDP) em equinos com claudicação ligada ao casco nos membros torácicos; além de analisar a influência das alterações radiográficas do osso navicular no resultado dos bloqueios. Quinze cavalos, que apresentaram uma melhora da claudicação acima de 70% após o bloqueio do nervo digital palmar, foram selecionados para este estudo. Os bloqueios foram avaliados separadamente em cinco turnos consecutivos e em sete tempos diferentes. O quinto turno foi utilizado para analisar a influência do exercício sobre a claudicação preexistente. A maioria dos cavalos (73,33%) apresentou dor relacionada à porção palmar do casco, com base nos achados do exame clínico em movimento e nas respostas dos bloqueios. As anestesias da BN e da AID apresentaram diferença quanto à frequência de cavalos com melhora da claudicação acima de 70% apenas aos 10min (p=0.03), e ambos diferiram do bloqueio da BTFDP até os 30min (p<0.05). A resposta dos bloqueios foi variada ao longo do tempo, e as maiores médias de melhora da claudicação para os bloqueios BN, AID e BTFDP foram observadas aos 5-10min, 15-20min e 10-15min, respectivamente. O exercício teve pequena interferência na intensidade da claudicação, uma vez que nenhuma melhora acima de 50% foi observada e sete cavalos aumentaram a intensidade da claudicação ao longo do tempo. A presença de diferentes graus de lesão radiográfica do osso navicular foi observada em 14 cavalos, porém essas lesões não interferiram na resposta dos bloqueios (p>0,05). Os bloqueios da BN e da AID apresentaram respostas semelhantes, e ambos foram superiores ao bloqueio da BTFDP, coincidindo com uma marcada prevalência de doença do aparato podotroclear nesta população de equinos.(AU)

Do different tendons exhibit the same response following chronic exposure to statins?

Over the past few years, a number of cases of tendon injuries associated with statin therapy have been reported. In this study, we assessed whether statins can affect the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and patellar tendon (PT). Wistar rats were assigned to groups treated with atorvastatin (A20, A80), treated with simvastatin (S20, S80), and control. Zymography, Western blotting for collagen I, non-collagenous proteins (NCP), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and hydroxyproline quantifications were performed. DDFT findings: NCP were increased in A20 and A80; higher concentration of hydroxyproline was found in S80; levels of GAGs was increased in all statin-treated groups; collagen I was increased in S80 and pro-MMP-2 activity was reduced in A80, S20, and S80. PT findings: NCP were reduced in A20, A80, and S80; GAGs was reduced in A80 and S20; collagen I was increased in A20 and pro-MMP-2 activity was reduced in the S20. Both the statins provoked marked changes in both tendons. All these changes may make the tendons more prone to microdamage and ruptures. Therefore, a better understanding of the behavior of the tendon ECM components under statin therapy may provide important insights into the mechanisms behind statin-induced tendon injuries.

Proximal tenotomy in the deep digital flexor in horse flexural deformities / Tenotomia proximal do flexor digital profundo na deformidade flexora em eqüinos

Nine horses presenting flexural deformity were submitted to deep digital flexor tenotomy near the insertion of the distal check ligament. Five animals presented flexural deformity in the distal interphalangeal joint of the deep digital flexor tendon and were submitted to a deep digital flexor tenotomy, only. Four horses presenting flexural deformity in the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint were submitted to tenotomy of both digital flexor tendons. This tenotomy technique, which is generally an experimental procedure, corrected flexural deformities without any post-surgical complications. Another good aspect of this procedure is the recovery of the normal podophalangeal axis on the third day post-surgery. Eight years after the surgery, three horses were used as athletes. The others six animals were not observed this long.

A tenotomia do flexor digital profundo proximal à inserção da brida cárpica inferior foi realizada em nove eqüinos portadores de deformidade flexora. Cinco animais mostravam comprometimento do tendão flexor digital profundo correspondendo à deformidade flexora da articulação interfalangeana distal, os quais foram submetidos somente à tenotomia do flexor digital profundo. Quatro outros animais foram submetidos à tenotomia de ambos os flexores digitais por mostrarem deformidade flexora da articulações metacarpofalangeana e interfalangeanas, com comprometimento de ambos os tendões flexores. Essa técnica de tenotomia do flexor digital profundo, antes realizada em caráter experimental, mostrou-se viável à correção das deformidades flexoras, não causando seqüelas pósoperatórias, restabelecendo o eixo podofalangeano à normalidade no terceiro dia pós-operatório. Três dos animais operados mostraram plena utilização após oito anos da cirurgia. Os seis animais restantes não foram observados a longo prazo.

Proximal tenotomy in the deep digital flexor in horse flexural deformities / Tenotomia proximal do flexor digital profundo na deformidade flexora em eqüinos

Nine horses presenting flexural deformity were submitted to deep digital flexor tenotomy near the insertion of the distal check ligament. Five animals presented flexural deformity in the distal interphalangeal joint of the deep digital flexor tendon and were submitted to a deep digital flexor tenotomy, only. Four horses presenting flexural deformity in the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint were submitted to tenotomy of both digital flexor tendons. This tenotomy technique, which is generally an experimental procedure, corrected flexural deformities without any post-surgical complications. Another good aspect of this procedure is the recovery of the normal podophalangeal axis on the third day post-surgery. Eight years after the surgery, three horses were used as athletes. The others six animals were not observed this long.

A tenotomia do flexor digital profundo proximal à inserção da brida cárpica inferior foi realizada em nove eqüinos portadores de deformidade flexora. Cinco animais mostravam comprometimento do tendão flexor digital profundo correspondendo à deformidade flexora da articulação interfalangeana distal, os quais foram submetidos somente à tenotomia do flexor digital profundo. Quatro outros animais foram submetidos à tenotomia de ambos os flexores digitais por mostrarem deformidade flexora da articulações metacarpofalangeana e interfalangeanas, com comprometimento de ambos os tendões flexores. Essa técnica de tenotomia do flexor digital profundo, antes realizada em caráter experimental, mostrou-se viável à correção das deformidades flexoras, não causando seqüelas pósoperatórias, restabelecendo o eixo podofalangeano à normalidade no terceiro dia pós-operatório. Três dos animais operados mostraram plena utilização após oito anos da cirurgia. Os seis animais restantes não foram observados a longo prazo.